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November 22, 2008 7:31:02 CST

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Computer Woes Slow Mars Craft

Posted Jun 19, 08 3:16 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – The Phoenix Mars Lander stopped digging yesterday to give its memory a rest after a computer glitch caused the loss of photographs and scientific data, the AP reports. Scientists were alerted to the problem after the lander transmitted a single piece of information 45,000 times. "It's unfortunate to lose any bit of science," one scientist said. "But it's not really critical stuff that you kick yourself over."

Source Associated Press

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A full-scale model of the Phoenix lander.   (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
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NASA • Mars • space exploration • Phoenix Mars Lander • robotic arm • computer glitches • JPL


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